2026 CHNA Implementation Strategy

CHILDREN’S HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (“CHNA”) for Children’s of Alabama was conducted by the Public A‡airs Research Council of Alabama (“PARCA”) in accordance with IRS and A‡ordable Care Act regulations. PARCA is a trusted state-wide resource, with unique insight into the state of Alabama and the challenges faced by the pediatric and adolescent population. The study integrated quantitative data, survey responses, and focus group findings to identify the leading health, access, and safety challenges a‡ecting children in Alabama. The analysis included: A statewide community survey (780 respondents) addressing perceived child health, healthcare access, and safety issues. Four focus groups representing diverse populations: Pickens County (rural providers), Birmingham City School students, Jefferson County students, and West End (Jefferson County) caregivers. Respondents represented 58 of Alabama’s 67 counties; 55% resided in the Birmingham, Alabama, Metropolitan Statistical Area or “BMSA” (Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Je‡erson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties), and 45% lived elsewhere. 70% lived in urban counties, and 30% lived in rural areas. The 2025 CHNA confirms three priority needs for Alabama’s children: mental and behavioral health, healthcare access and a‡ordability, and child safety/risk prevention. Children’s will address these needs through statewide and regional partnerships, telehealth and outreach, provider education, transportation/navigation support, safety education, and targeted work in rural and underserved communities. Secondary data from state and national sources, including the US Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Feeding America, and VOICES for Alabama’s Children.

CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA

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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY